Diamonds shaping up for World Cup after emerging unscathed from Super Netball games
Diamonds netball coach Lisa Alexander gives her verdict after accessing the fitness and form of players ahead of a World Cup camp in Sydney.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australian Diamonds players have been given the all-clear after emerging from nine physical rounds of Super Netball injury free and honing in on the form their coach believes can win them the world title next month.
Coach Lisa Alexander confirmed on Monday she has a fighting fit squad free of injury to put through their final paces at a week long camp in Sydney this week ahead of their UK departure next week.
“I’m breathing a sigh of relief,” Alexander said after her 12 players and reserves Gabi Simpson, Kate Moloney, Emily Mannix and Tegan Philip emerged from round nine of Super Netball unscathed.
“We have reserves ready to go but you never want anyone injured.
“To have everyone fit and healthy and ready to go is great. There’s not even any niggles really, just a few sore fingers and things but none of that is unusual.
The Diamonds will play two training games at the Sydney camp this week against a combined Swifts and Giants side and a men’s invitational team before heading to the UK for another series of matches prior to their opening game of the World Cup on July 13 (AEDT) against Northern Ireland.
Australia’s group at the Liverpool tournament also contains Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Alexander said she will reduce loads on players this week to keep them fit and healthy ahead of the tournament.
“This campaign has been designed not to ramp up our loads. We’ll be concentrating on quality with plenty of rest and recovery,’’ she said.
“This is also about getting time together off the court.
“The teamwork thing happens off the court as well. It’s all about being connected on and off the court.’’
Only three players remains from the 2015 World Cup win in Sydney in captain Caitlin Bassett, fellow shooter Caitlin Thwaites and midcourter Paige Hadley who forced her way back into the team after an extended period on the outer.
Splashdown! Day of disaster for Aussies in women’s America’s Cup
The women’s America’s Cup dream of an Australian crew is over after just two days of racing, a disastrous touchdown, a broken start penalty and erratic conditions. How it played out.
‘We are incredibly excited’: Next Gen rugby 7s women turning heads
There were blowouts, close calls, a hot boot and multiple try-fectas in the opening round of the Next Gen Sevens rugby series in Sydney. Stars, great photos and Rd 1 result wrap.